Top 5 Family Friendly Half-Term Attractions

May, 2018

Article by Sam Oxborrow

May half-term is just around the corner, and here in the New Forest we’re expecting sunshine, long days with the family and evenings on our beautiful terraces. To help you make the most of your New Forest holiday we’ve rounded together our top five attraction for the May half-term:

Longdown Activity Farm – Spring is one of the best times of the year to head down to Longdown Activity Farm, with the beautiful sunshine, the green grass and the new baby animals on the farm. This half-term they’ve got plenty of extra activities for the family to enjoy too, including: Longdown Vintage Farm Rally from Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th May, The Creature Teachers on Thursday 31st May and the Mower Madness on Saturday 2nd June & Sunday 3rd.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum – Enter the daring realm of World War II spies and soldiers this May half-term at Beaulieu Motor Museum, once the top secret training establishment for Special Operations Executive agents. Test your mettle as a secret agent by heading off across the Beaulieu grounds on your own SOE training mission! Your mission involves tracking down the hidden car parts and making a code-breaking gadget. You’ll also get to see wartime vehicles, discover the role of falconry during World War II, visit the secret army exhibition and solve puzzles to win prizes.

Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail – If one mission isn’t enough, then head into the village of Brockenhurst where there is more to unveil. Whilst it may seem like a typical town, there’s a mystery hidden beneath every pavestone on the Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail. Are you super enough to investigate to find answers? To get to the bottom of things you will need to download the PDF which is packed with handy hints and tips. These will lead you all over the town to clues hidden on statues and signs. Your circular route begins at the railway station from where you ca visit the Anzac War Memorial and the last resting place of Busher Mills, who rather fantastically was renowned as the New Forest snake catcher! The route is supposed to take around 3 hours to complete but with so much to see, pack a picnic and fill the day.

New Forest Wildlife Park – Set in Ashurst, just down the road from Lyndhurst is the New Forest Wildlife Park where you can meet wonderful animals and birds in a beautiful woodland park setting. Find out fascinating facts about the variety of animals including European bison, wolves, otters, owls, foxes badgers, wallabies, deer, lynx and many more from their friendly keepers and explore two amazing adventure playground. With keeper talks, feeding sessions, quizzes and crafts. Pop into their onsite restaurant for lunch and finish off in their gift shop.

Exbury Gardens – It wouldn’t be our top five this May half-term without mentioning Exbury Gardens, which is in its prime this time of year. What can you expect to see this season? Their wisteria is currently blooming beautifully in their Sundial Garden which will have reached its peak colour by half-term week. Down their Gilbury Garden Lane, Azaleas are flowing in glorious yellow and golden hues. Take a wander through The Glades where Rhododendrons are in full flowers in beautiful bright colours.